Having shaken off its image as a destination purely for retirees, it’s packed with lovely alfresco terraces, sublime boutique hotels, indulgent beach clubs – including a branch of the iconic Café del Mar – and hedonistic nightspots .
The dining scene here is magnificent, too, six Michelin-starred restaurants to choose between but lots of other acclaimed bistros to discover as you amble Malta’s cobbled alleys, whether in the UNESCO-listed capital Valletta or in other places. The island’s historic highlights include the Three Cities and the former capital Mdina, one of the finest examples of an ancient walled city in all Europe, best visited in the evening when it is lamplit and at its most atmospheric.
This is a place with an enviable array of small-scale, independent properties oozing character and authentic charm. Many of our top luxury hotels in Malta are romantic boltholes perfect for a couple’s retreats, most have sparkling outdoor pools , and some have sleek spas too. Malta might just be your next perfect destination.